Preds Acquire Mike Fisher From Ottawa Senators

Nashville, Tenn. (February 10, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired center Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Nashville’s first-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft and a conditional pick in the 2012 Draft. The conditional pick is Nashville’s third-round selection if the Predators win one round in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and turns into a second-rounder in 2012 if the team wins two-or-more rounds.

“We were seeking a top-six forward and Mike Fisher was the player we set our sights on,” Poile said. “He plays playoff-style hockey all season long. He plays on the power play, kills penalties, is strong on draws and can match up against any opposing line.”

Fisher, 30 (6/5/80), is tied for the Senators team lead in goals (14) and ranks third on the club in points (14g-10a-24pts) in 2011-12, his 11th NHL campaign. The Peterborough, Ont., native has amassed 348 points (167g-181a) in 675 games, all with Ottawa, since 1999-2000, hitting the 20-goal mark in four of the last five seasons. The 6-1, 208-pounder notched career highs in points (53), goals (25), assists (28) and power-play goals (10) a season ago and was a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward in 2005-06.

Selected 44th overall by the Senators in the 1998 Entry Draft, Fisher has 28 points (14g-14a) in 75 postseason games, more than any current Predator. He has helped the Sens advance beyond the first round four times in six playoff appearances, including an appearance in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals.

“Mike’s playoff experience will be invaluable to our team and he immediately makes our team stronger and deeper,” Poile said.